Choking - adult or child over 1 year
Definition
Choking is when someone can't breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe).Alternative Names
Heimlich maneuver - adult or child over 1 yearConsiderations
A choking person's airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical emergency. A partial blockage can quickly become life threatening if the person can not properly breathe in and out.
Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
Causes
- Eating too fast, failing to chew food well enough, or eating with improperly fitted dentures
- Alcohol consumption (even a small amount of alcohol affects awareness)
- Unconscious or stuporous persons may inhale vomited material
- Small objects inhaled by young children
- Trauma to the head and face (swelling or blood can cause choking)
References
Murray, JF. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2000.
Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.
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